A Sunrise Stroll on the Florida Trail: A Hiker's Paradise
This morning, we embarked on an early adventure, packing up our tent with the convenience of a nearby picnic table. It's these little luxuries that make the hiking experience so enjoyable! After a quick organization session, we savored a moment of tranquility before hitting the trail. These slow starts are a blessing, allowing us to ease into the day's journey.
Rejoining the wide, grassy road, we continued our southbound journey, retracing our steps from the previous night. Last night's brief northbound detour to reach our campsite added a unique twist to our adventure. Now, we're back on track, heading south with purpose.
As we walked along the levee in St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, the sunrise painted the water with a golden glow. It was a breathtaking sight to start the day.
"The views just kept getting better and better as we continued along the levee."
Walking along the wide, grassy road, we knew this section of the Florida Trail was one of our favorites. The morning hours flew by as we navigated through the refuge, eventually emerging from the woods as the sun began to rise. The timing was impeccable, and the views of the sunrise reflecting off the water were simply stunning.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some hikers might opt for a quicker pace, but we believe in taking our time and enjoying the journey. After all, it's these moments that make hiking such a rewarding experience. And let's be honest, it's a luxury we might not indulge in if we were hiking solo.
As the morning progressed, the sun's warmth became more intense, prompting us to shed layers. This has become our morning routine, adapting to the changing temperatures. The road, likely an extension of the St. Marks River, provided a serene backdrop to our hike.
Along the way, we encountered an older gentleman, equally excited to see fellow Florida Trail hikers. He shared an inspiring story about a bamboo staff he had given to a struggling hiker, a true act of kindness on the trail. His presence was a welcome surprise, but our pace was a bit too fast for a lengthy chat. We're on a mission, after all, with each day presenting its own unique challenges.
"Bundled up this morning because it was freezing cold!"
The trail transitioned from the grassy levee to a more forested area, eventually leading us onto a dirt road and, eventually, back to pavement. We took a quick break at a bridge, where I prepared a coffee with carnation instant breakfast in my water bottle. It was a welcome refreshment break before continuing along the dirt road and then onto a massive boardwalk.
We were surprised to encounter a few day hikers, a rare sight on the southbound Florida Trail, especially during the quieter months of November and December. Most hikers opt for the northbound route during January and February.
As we continued along the levee, the views became even more spectacular. The trail ahead held promises of more beauty, especially along the Aucilla River section.
"Slide up ahead of me on the levee."
Once we reached the paved road, we knew we had a few hours of road walking ahead. In previous years, this route would have taken us past JR's, a delightful store where I camped in 2023 and stopped for supplies earlier this year. We even enjoyed some delicious hot dogs there in January. However, the business has changed hands, and it's now called "Big Red's." Unfortunately, it wasn't open during our visit, but the renovations looked promising for future hikers.
Despite the store being closed, we approached to see if we could get some water from an outdoor spigot, but no luck. But luck was on our side as we found a brand-new, sealed bottle of cranberry juice by the road. A true trail magic moment!
"The trail provides" is a phrase that never fails to deliver, and this little surprise was a perfect example.
As we walked, we crossed over the Aucilla River, and we knew the trail ahead would be a treat. The next section of the trail was a bit of a challenge, with overgrown sections and a tedious back-and-forth across a dirt road. But we stayed true to the trail, resisting the temptation to take shortcuts.
Later in the day, we planned our evening's route, knowing we'd be on a long road walk. Camping options would be limited in the residential areas ahead, so we decided on one of our favorite strategies: an out-and-back.
"That last hour of the day was pretty rough honestly. I was the more uncomfortably cold than I have been in as long as I can remember."
After passing a nice flat area, we continued for another hour before turning back. This way, we could camp at the flat spot and still add a few extra miles to our day. As the evening progressed, the temperature dropped dramatically, and we were determined to keep moving to stay warm.
Eventually, we turned back and headed back into the woods, and after an unpleasant chill, we began to warm up again. We walked for another half-hour and returned to the large flat spot, the perfect campsite for the night. Bundling up felt amazing, and we quickly settled in. Stretching and heading to bed, we hoped for a warmer morning ahead.
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